Known for its theatrical live show and the black masks that most of its members wear on-stage, Mushroomhead is one of the more unique and adventurous alternative metal outfits that emerged in the 1990s. And the Cleveland band's music is as interesting as its image; Mushroomhead's forceful yet melodic alterna-metal incorporates elements of hip-hop, punk, and goth rock as well as industrial and techno. The members of Mushroomhead have been performing incognito since 1993, when drummer Skinny founded the band. At first, Mushroomhead was only meant to be a side project. Its members were playing in various local bands at the time, and they wore the blacks masks (which look like a cross between S&M/bondage masks and World War I gas masks) so that people wouldn't recognize them. The only Mushroomhead member who doesn't wear a black mask opts for Kiss-like clown makeup instead. After a few years, Mushroomhead became one of Cleveland's top local attractions -- and its members kept wearing the masks when they saw how intriguing people found them to be. Mushroomhead's self-titled debut album was released independently in 1995, followed by Superbuick in 1996 and M3 in 1999. The Midwesterners signed with Eclipse in 2000, and their next album, XX, came out the following year. In 2001, Mushroomhead's members included drummer/founder Skinny, lead vocalists J. Mann and Jeffrey Nothing, guitarists Bronson and Gravy, keyboardist Shmotz, bassist Pig Benis, and sample provider Stitch when they signed to Universal Records to re-release XX. Their first proper effort for the label was 2003's dynamic XIII, but the band soon parted ways with not only Universal, but also vocalist J. Mann during a subsequent tour. Undeterred, Mushroomhead pressed on with their D.I.Y. ethos intact and welcomed new frontman Waylon, formerly of 3 Quarters Dead, into the fray. The DVD Mushroomhead, Vol. 1 followed in mid-2005 before the guys returned in September 2006 with Savior Sorrow, released through New York-based indie Megaforce Records. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi

The legendary FEAR FACTORY has announced their highly-anticipated comeback to the European ground. After the recent successful North and Latin American tour legs with the new vocalist Milo Silvestro from Rome, Italy and drummer Pete Weber (Havok), the band is stronger than ever and ready to light up the stages at 44 European shows for the first time since 2016. Joining them on this run are two must-see bands: BUTCHER BABIES from the USA and IGNEA  from Ukraine.   The impact of FEAR FACTORY on heavy metal is immeasurable. With a career spanning over 30 years, they have unleashed influential albums with devastating anthems, cementing their position as crucial and innovative figures in extreme metal circles. FEAR FACTORY's sound, a fusion of staccato paint-stripping riffs, industrial-tinged drums, electronic flourishes, and a captivating scream/sing dichotomy, has become a hallmark in heavy music since their emergence in L.A.   FEAR FACTORY's records are cinematic in scope, creating sonic landscapes that mirror dystopian post-apocalyptic futures found in classic sci-fi literature and films, from Ray Bradbury to Blade Runner. On June 23, the band will release RE-INDUSTRIALIZED, a remastered version of their eighth studio album, The Industrialist. The new release features new artwork, live drums, and six bonus tracks. This European tour presents an exceptional opportunity for fans to experience the band's powerful sound live, along with their greatest hits.   Metal veterans, Butcher Babies, have been crushing stages worldwide with their vicious live performance and explosive energy for nearly 15 blistering years. Their stage presence is a hypnotic spectacle that leaves audiences hungry for more as they juxtapose brutal, aggressive riffs with beautiful melodies that wail with emotional redemption. With the news of a double album releasing July 7, anticipation for a full Butcher Babies European tour has reached a fever pitch.   Finally, completing the lineup, IGNEA, a Ukrainian prog and melodic metal band, will bring their unique mix of groovy riffs with cinematic and electronic arrangements to the table. The band will showcase their new album, released through Napalm Records, which has already garnered critical acclaim and praise from fans, solidifying their position as firestarters in the metal scene.